$200 million winter sports centre set for Penrith
A $200 million winter sports centre has been proposed for Penrith, which could be one of the ‘top 10’ of its kind in the world and feature a 300m ski slope and a three-achre snow area.
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SOON you might not have to trek to the Snowy Mountains to hit the slopes, with Penrith set to welcome a world-class winter sports centre — if a $200 million planning proposal is approved.
Winter Sports World — which would be built on a 2.35ha site on the Nepean River — would strengthen Penrith’s claim as NSW’s “adventure capital”, owner Peter Magnisalis said.
It would include a 300m indoor ski slope, an 80m play slope for kids and novices, an ice-skating rink, a three-acre snow area, ice and rock climbing areas, and winter fitness, gym and altitude training facilities.
A 170-room hotel, bars, cafes and restaurants would also be added to the centre.
Mr Magnisalis said it would be one of the top 10 winter sports facilities in the world but would also cater for families.
“It’s something for everyone,” he said. “It’s going to be catering for families who’ve never seen the snow before to professional and Olympic athletes.
“It just makes sense. It’s in a growing area, you’ve got the airport coming in and Penrith is the adventure capital.
“It’s an aspirational type development that will bring jobs, tourism and investment to Penrith.”
Mr Magnisalis said the project was four years in the making, and he was “amazed” a similar centre hadn’t already been built given Australias’ love for the snow.
He said the centre would operate year-round and feature controlled conditions: “It will reduce the need for winter sports amateurs and professionals to travel offshore to train or play, providing a controlled environment for optimum precision training.”
The centre could add 759 jobs and add $74.9 million to the NSW economy, he said. If approved it could be open by 2021.
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Former British Winter Olympian Stephen Edwards, who has been enlisted at the centre’s performance director, said it could encourage participation in winter sport.
“This facility will change the performance of winter sports in Australia, especially with respect to all disciplines,” he said.
“Being able to train on an all-year-round facility will allow athletes to focus on their skills and technique in an environment where all weather conditions are controlled.
“We can organise precise training at days and times we want.”
The proposal has been lodged with Penrith Council. A council spokesman said it was “not surprised an application to build a unique visitor experience has been put forward for Penrith.
He said the upcoming Western Sydney Airport and the north-south rail link would put Penrith “on the cusp of new opportunities for many sectors, including tourism”.
“We have a well-established visitor economy that offers a beautiful environment with many established adventure based activities already on offer,” the spokesman said.